Lithium-induced hypercalcaemia

Abstract

Abstract Objective Menopausal transition has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), mainly attributed to atherogenic dyslipidaemia, central obesity and insulin resistance. Whether arterial hypertension (AH) also contributes to menopause-associated CVD is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to systematically investigate and meta-analyze the best available evidence regarding the association between early menopause (EM) and AH risk. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, CENTRAL and Scopus databases, up to January 20th, 2020. Data were expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). The I2 index was employed for heterogeneity. Results Ten studies were included in the quantitative analysis (273,994 postmenopausal women, 76853 cases with AH). Women with EM (age at menopause 45 years) (OR 1.10, 95 % CI 1.01–1.19, p = 0.03; I2 79 %). The direction or the magnitude of this association remained significant when the analysis was restricted to studies including groups matched for potential confounders, such as age, BMI, smoking or the use of menopausal hormone therapy or oral contraceptives. Conclusions Women with EM have an increased risk for AH compared with those of normal age at menopause.